Judge Burnham's Daughters (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. "the Deed For The Will." MRS. BURNHAM, failing in her intention to waylay her husband, returned to her own room, which opened into the dressing-room. Too nervous to take a seat, she walked the floor, anxious, irresolute, miserable. She longed to go to her child, but would not insult her husband by seeming to be afraid to leave his son alone with him. Ominous silence reigned in the dressing-room. Judge Burnham had opened a drawer somewhat noisily on the moment of his entrance, but had spoken no word, so far as his wife could hear. Suddenly on the quiet air came the sound of a blow, accompanied by a little wailing cry, --"O, papa, dear papa, please don't Mamma said you wouldn't; she said you would let me explain that I couldn't, because I have promised God." No reply at all from the angry father, save of the sort which seemed to scar Ruth's very soul. Her little sheltered darling, who had never before known what physical pain was, except as sickness had shown it to him How could his father strike the little delicate hand, and for such a reason The wife's whole soul rose up in rebellion. "Please, papa, let me tell you about it. Oh J papa, you hurt me very much." But there was no reply. Should the mother rush in, and, before her child, demand that this insulting demonstration of passion should cease? All her ideas of wifely loyalty rose up to object to this course, but she paced the floor like a caged lioness, and said aloud, --"I cannot bear this; I ought not to bear it." It was well, perhaps, for all concerned that the scene was short. Judge Burnham spoke at last a few low words, which his wife could not catch, and then immediately entered her room. Erskine's punishment had been neither prolonged nor severe. The average boy would probably have...